Households need to act swiftly or risk being hit with an energy bill rise of almost £200

22nd July 2014

Consumers on some fixed energy deals could see their bills rise by up to £188 a year unless they take swift action to move to a better deal.

According to price comparison site, uSwitch.com customers on ten fixed deals which expire at the end of July and August will be automatically transferred to a more expensive roll-over tariff, resulting in an average rise of £103 a year and for some consumers the hike could be nearer to £200.

Tom Lyon, energy expert at uSwitch.com says: “With summer well underway, consumers’ attention may have understandably turned away from thermostats, but households can take simple steps now to future-proof their energy bills.

“A number of fixed deals come to an end this month and next, meaning bills could rise for some by up to £188. The good news is that there are several competitive deals that people can switch to. For example, Co-operative Energy’s new ‘Fair and Square’ tariff – fixed until September 2015 – costs on average £989 a year although a number of conditions, including mandatory meter readings, apply. First Utility also offers a deal fixed until next September, costing £992 a year. For those who would prefer to go with one of the larger providers, EDF Energy offers a fixed tariff until February 2016 at an average cost of £1,049.

“Energy regulator Ofgem recently introduced a ‘switching window’, allowing consumers to switch supplier from the moment they are informed their plan is ending – without having to worry about exit fees. With this in mind, we urge customers on fixed deals which are about to end to shop around now and avoid getting stung by more expensive energy bills.”

All tables – Source: uSwitch.com. Based on a medium user customer using 3,200 kWh of electricity and 13,500 kWh of gas, on a dual fuel plan, paying by monthly Direct Debit, with bill sizes averaged across all regions.